HalpinRobbins has extensive experience with BREEAM assessments for non-domestic and domestic buildings with our experience covering the development of single individual dwellings to large scale industrial and commercial developments such as refurbishment of schools and offices and the conversion of offices to residential flats.
Under BREEAM the environmental performance of a building or refurbishment project is measured by attaining credits within specific categories. Within BREEAM "Land Use and Ecology (LE)" is one of nine categories and accounts for 10% of the total credits.
BREEAM assessments (ecology section) require a 'Suitably Qualified Ecologist'** to undertake an ecological appraisal of the development site and project. This appraisal covers the current sites ecological value, identifies where and how features of ecological value should be retained and protected and advises on any potential biodiversity enhancements that can be implemented. The latter two come in the form of 'Key recommendations' that must be implemented, usually required for legal and compliance reasons, and 'Additional recommendations' that could be applied to improve the projects biodiversity potential.
HalpinRobbins work closely with our clients and their project teams to provide assessments and advice compliant with BREEAM "Land Use and Ecology" including bespoke cost effective ecological recommendations for each specific assessment and project. For an better idea about our projects and work see our case studies or contact us to discuss your project.
* On 27 March 2015 the government has issued a written ministerial statement withdrawing the Code for Sustainable Homes, aside from the management of legacy cases such as affordable housing funded through the National Affordable Housing Programme 2015 to 2018 and where planning permission has been granted subject to a condition stipulating discharge of a code level. Other than legacy cases this code is now a voluntary environmental performance assessment.
** 'Suitably Qualified Ecologist' in both BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes is defined as an individual who: 1) holds a degree or equivalent qualification (e.g. N/SVQ level 5) in ecology or a related subject; 2) is a practicing ecologist, with a minimum of three years relevant experience (within the last five years); and 3) is covered by a professional code of conduct and subject to peer review, including the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Code of Professional Conduct.
Our staff maintain and enhance their knowledge of ecology and the environment through research, specialist training and by maintaining membership of several professional and specialist bodies including:
If you wish to find out more about permitting, ecology services or to discuss a project or development please contact us directly for a free, non-committal discussion.
"Nothing is too much trouble and the two way communication is second to none. I would not hesitate to recommend HalpinRobbins to anyone and we wouldn’t even contemplate going anywhere else."
Samantha Southam - Managing Director
Falcon Rural Housing Limited
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